Thu, 18 Dec 2025

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 BP names new boss as current CEO leaves after less than two years

BP has appointed Meg O'Neill as its chief executive, making her the first female boss of a major oil giant.
Meg O'Neill has been appointed as the new chief executive of BP, becoming the first woman to lead a major global oil company. She will take over on April 1st, replacing Murray Auchincloss who had been at the helm for less than two years. Auchincloss took over from Bernard Looney in September 2024 after Looney was found to have committed "serious misconduct" by failing to disclose relationships with colleagues. O'Neill has served as chief executive of Australian energy firm Woodside Energy since 2021 and will step into her new role at BP following a brief transition period led by Carol Howle, an executive vice president. Auchincloss will serve in an advisory capacity until December 2026. BP praised O'Neill's tenure at Woodside, citing the company's acquisition of BHP Petroleum International in 2022 under her leadership. Prior to joining Woodside, O'Neill spent 23 years in technical and operational roles at ExxonMobil. O'Neill has vowed to prioritize re-establishing BP's market leadership, advancing safety, driving innovation, and promoting sustainability within the company. Her appointment comes as BP shifts its strategy towards increasing oil and gas production, following a decision to cut renewable energy investments and pressure from some investors. BP's previous CEO, Bernard Looney, was dismissed without notice and forfeited up to £32.4m in salary and benefits after admitting to not being "fully transparent" about his personal relationships.
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